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78S20270 KMP-D

By:  Capelo                                                       H.R. No. 160



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Emmett Sheppard has been named the new president of 
the Texas AFL-CIO, in which capacity he will oversee the 
operational and financial activities of the state's leading labor 
federation and help to ensure its continued existence as a strong 
voice for Texas workers; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Groves, Mr. Sheppard began his career 
with Gulf Oil Corporation, where he became a member of the Oil, 
Chemical and Atomic Workers Local 4-23; over the years, he held a 
succession of leadership positions within the union and negotiated 
several key contracts, developing a keen understanding of issues of 
central importance to Texas workers; following a three-year term as 
secretary-treasurer, he was named president of the Sabine Area 
Central Labor Council, an office he held with distinction until 
1989, when he became legislative director for the Texas AFL-CIO; 
his able representation of Texas unions at the local, regional, and 
statewide levels earned him well-deserved acclaim, and in 1993 he 
was named to the office of secretary-treasurer, a position he held 
with great integrity and acumen before assuming the presidency; and
	WHEREAS, Before embarking on his tenure in labor 
representation, Mr. Sheppard was an elected official in the city of 
Groves, where he served as a city councilman for a four-year term 
and as mayor pro tempore from 1975 to 1977; during the last three 
decades, he has established himself as a community leader of note, 
having served on the boards of numerous worthy charitable and civic 
organizations, including the March of Dimes, the United Way, and 
Junior Achievement of Jefferson County; and
	WHEREAS, Many state officials have had the privilege of 
working with him during his tenure on the Texas Employment 
Commission Advisory Board and the Texas Workers' Compensation 
Insurance Facility Governing Committee; Mr. Sheppard, who since 
1996 has served on the Project SAFE Texas Executive Advisory Board, 
today plays an instrumental role in the success of such statewide 
initiatives as the Workers' Assistance Program; and
	WHEREAS, This distinguished Texan has demonstrated courage 
and commitment in every aspect of his career as a community leader 
and labor representative, and through his work he has truly helped 
to make this state a better place in which to work, live, and raise a 
family; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby commend Emmett Sheppard for 
his many significant contributions to the Lone Star State and 
extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future 
endeavors; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Sheppard as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.